KESWiN Academy

About KESWiN Academy

KESWiN Academy is a personal growth and self-actualisation online community with LIVE, interactive coaching, resources and support from real people. Our community is limited to 150 members who come from all over the globe. We focus on inspiring and empowering every person to discover the valuable treasure they have hidden or trapped inside, and pursue their heroic quest to live life to its fullest potential.

We believe that you have valuable treasure trapped inside; and that your quest is to live life to your fullest potential.  

Our Mission is to empower individuals to identify and share their unique talents and attributes (which we refer to as KESWiN™). We achieve this by providing proven, practical, authentic coaching, connection, resources, and support inside our friendly academy. One that is filled with actual human beings, not computer generated code. 

In other words, we don’t employ invasive AI, controlling algorithms, biased coding, or annoying chat-bots. That said, in full transparency, a lot of our public facing images feature the generic 3D Man by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke. And occasionally you may see images of LEGO Minifigures and models to illustrate various team member roles. We choose to use generic images in order to protect the privacy of people in our exclusive community or as placeholders until we grow enough to expand our team members. (Note, we take the privacy and security of our members and their data very seriously, and so limit as much as possible third party access to our technical infrastructure).

KESWiN Acronym

Where Does the Word KESWiN Come From?

You may never have heard of the word KESWiN (pronounced kezwin) before, which comes as no surprise to us. Because although online searches do return this word as a surname for a handful of people, this word actually came to our founder in a dream around 2003. She liked it so much she changed the name of her publishing company to Keswin Publishing Ltd. And then later on decided to expand it into something meaningful. 

So KESWiN™ became an acronym representing an individual’s unique and valuable talents and attributes, including their:

  • Knowledge
  • Experiences
  • Skill-sets
  • Wisdom
  • ideas
  • Narratives

We believe it’s a perfect name for our academy which is focused on personal growth and self-actualisation coaching.

A Little Bit of About KESWiN Academy’s History

The first iteration of KESWiN Academy was founded in 2009 by New Zealander Deb Donnell in the pioneer days of online training and membership sites. A few years prior to this Deb had a vision about building an online network of like-minded self-publishers. At the time of her vision, she had neither the technical skills or capital to build the technical infrastructure needed. And to hire someone who could ran into the tens of thousands of dollars. So she set about learning how to do this all herself.  

In 2008 Deb enrolled as an intern in an online mentoring program run by US based online business educator Ann Sieg. Once the program started, Deb quickly realised that a student forum was needed (there wasn’t one), and so she worked with Arne (another intern) to build and manage one.

Once the program ended, Deb and Arne built a new online community for around 30 of the graduates. They called it Small Biz Incubator and focused on applying what they’d learned in Ann’s program. The main features were weekly interactive group coaching sessions, helping members find their niches, build WordPress websites, write authoritative SEO content, and earn income by selling affiliate products and services.

One of the main benefits was the strong friendships formed and often resulted with in person meet-ups. Deb even travelled twice to North America from New Zealand for live events and to run in person workshops. And she had members travel to New Zealand to visit her as well. 

About KESWiN Academy's Founder
Deb Donnell, Founder, KESWiN Academy

Forged in the Crucible of Disaster

Everything was going and growing great, until the devastating Christchurch Earthquake struck on 22 February 2011. It destroyed the central business district where Deb worked in her family’s jewellery business, and significantly damaged Deb’s home as well. Obviously Deb needed to withdraw from the online world in order to focus on recovering and rebuilding her life, and help others in her physical community do the same. So she turned her focus onto writing and publishing books about Christchurch and its transformative journey from rubble to rebuild. 

She has also mentored people through the book self-publishing process, including working with Dr Alan Fayter, a Clinical Hypnotherapist and ISNS Master Trainer specialising in Neuro-Semantics Self-Actualisation trainings. In 2015 he released his book with Deb’s help, titled How to Chill Out: Earthquake Proof Strategies for Staying Calm in Any Crisis.

Working with Alan helped Deb to address some of her earthquake related trauma. Consequently, she enrolled in his training program to learn about Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Neuro-Semantics, both branches of self-actualisation psychology which focus on studying human excellence and potential. She graduated in 2018 as an NLP and Neuro-Semantics Master Practitioner. This was an important step in Deb’s mission to build an online community that helps others achieve personal growth and big dreams.

Since graduating, Deb has had a few more character building personal detours in life, which have added to her own personal growth journey. However, she’s never lost sight of her original vision, and has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for launching the latest iteration of her membership academy, with a focus on group coaching members to create healthy, autonomous, happy, and authentic lives. 

Therefore, if you have a desire to live a life of excellence and potential, with the support and fun of travelling with other like-minded individuals while you do it, please consider joining as a community member now. Alternatively, if this is a journey you want to start out on your own, we have exclusive member only content available in our Library, which also includes the Potentials Quarterly Magazine edited and published by Deb. 

About KESWiN Academy’s SI Community Membership

We call this “Self-Invested (SI)” Training, as you are, first and foremost, investing in your most important asset – yourself.  However, you are never alone as there will always be real people in our community or on our team able to answer questions, keep you accountable, or cheer you on. 

Plus Deb runs weekly live and interactive coaching calls via Zoom, which you can jump on to get  real-time assistance, find inspiration, or become empowered by adopting strategies that have helped others. 

Our member area has an activity feed, along with topic specific groups with discussion forums, and full access to the PQ Library (see below). There is also SI Community Member Only content, workshops, courses, downloads, templates, events, exclusive offers, and more. 

 Last, but not least, we have the KESWiN Academy social gathering place called the 4Cs Café for Community, Connection, Companionship and Conversation.  This is a great place to network, get to know and build friendships with other members from around the world. 

KESWiN Academy
KESWiN Academy

About KESWiN Academy’s PQ Library Membership

PQ stands for “Personal Quest” Training. We realise that not everyone wants to share their personal growth and self-actualisation adventures with others. Some people prefer to travel solo. And that’s okay.

With this in mind, we produce a lot of exclusive member only content that is designed to inspire and empower you, even when travelling alone. We provide this as tips, strategies, stories, resources, templates, and more. This is available in multiple formats for you to watch, read, listen to, and even download. 

And every 3 months we publish a series of personal growth and self-actualisation articles in our Potentials Quarterly magazine. This is published in pdf format and delivered direct to members’ personal email inboxes.  Members can then save and read it at their leisure. We try to design it so that it can printed it out if you prefer (without using too much ink). 

Articles in the magazine, and content uploaded to the PQ Library come from a range of contributors, including our members who want to share insights and more from their journey.

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Our Core Values, Principles, Beliefs and Vision

Continuous Learning and Improvement

We love learning, and continually strive to improve ourselves on a daily basis. Part of our learning process is to not only test what is new, but to share it with others. We never pretend to have all the answers for you. When we don’t have a solution, we’ll first ask our community if they do. If not, we’ll do some deep-dive research and testing. Then we’ll present our solutions to all members in the Academy in the next live Q&A.

Commitment to Long-Term Success

Personal growth and self-actualisation is a lifelong marathon, not a sprint. There really is no such thing as overnight success, or a magic bean solution. We know that to achieve long term success it takes passion, work, focus, persistence, lots of ideas, desire to do good, having people to push you, and being of service to others. So we’re in this for the long-haul, and encourage you to commit to the long-haul journey too.

Inside-Out Transformative Growth

Obviously personal development and self-actualisation is a transformative journey. It’s a heroic quest to go within to discover and release your hidden and valuable treasure. Along the way there will be obstacles to overcome and dragons to fight. However, as the hero of your story, you can’t help but grow and be transformed by your adventures.

Mutually Empowering Relationships

We built KESWiN Academy because we understand the value of mutually empowering relationships. By helping you, we help ourselves and others too. Therefore, we encourage all our members to help and be helped. Our primary goal is for everyone to have win/win interactions inside our community, with this flowing out into the wider world beyond our private membership area.

Authentic, Authoritative Entrepreneurship

Authentic, authoritative entrepreneurship is something we encourage our members to consider. So, when you get to know us, you get to know the real us. We’ve worked hard to get to where we are. Sure we have made mistakes, and we’ll share those stories with you so you don’t have to make them too. In other words, you benefit from genuinely proven and tested solutions, systems, and personalised coaching. 

Robust Resources and Systems

Every resource and system we recommend has gone through a deep dive research and thorough testing process. We show you how to build your online and offline world in a way that is autonomous, secure and private. We never chase the latest bright shiny gimmick. We treat all cloud, digital sharecropping and social networking platforms with caution. If possible, we avoid them completely and advise you to do the same.

Our Vision

To empower and transform individuals to become independent authoritative and free thinking leaders by sharing their KESWiN and building strong connections with their online and offline communities.

Our Purpose

To provide robust resources and a friendly, supportive community to mutually empower each other to grow personally and create healthy, autonomous, happy, and authentic lives.

Testimonials About KESWiN Academy

At the start of this page we mentioned that there have been several iterations of KESWiN Academy, dating right back to 2008. The earlier versions were more focused on helping people build online businesses, develop writing and content marketing skills, publish books, and build multiple income streams. Group coaching has always been at the heart of these earlier versions, and there was always an element of personal growth as members identified their KESWiN in order to have the confidence to build their businesses. 

Therefore the testimonials we’ve published below have been gathered from members and clients over the past 17+ years. While many highlight aspects that are different to our current offering with the Academy, they are still valuable for you to look through. Because they are more about KESWiN Academy’s founder, Deb Donnell (who you will be working with), her coaching style, and, most importantly, what benefits members have received when working with her.

Also, as one of our goals is to help you create a life of freedom and autonomy, should you decide to build an online business, or write and publish a book further down the track, you can be confident that Deb and our team have the skills to coach you through this process too. In other words, KESWiN Academy is more than just a personal growth and self-actualisation community! It is a place where you can transform ideas and dreams into reality, no matter what they are!

“This is different to most typical training programs where you buy and listen to the training. One of the key differences is that learning and doing is incorporated into the program. There is a lot of interaction between members and trainers. As a result, you can ask questions. In addition, the people behind it have a genuine go-getter attitude. The material is never stale—it's always cutting edge, and that's fantastic. I feel pretty lucky to have been a part of the Academy. It's not easy—it takes work. But it's a great experience. Certainly, I recommend it to people looking to build an authoritative online presence.”
Dennis Roberts
Dennis RobertsUSA
“I’ve had a really good time as a member. I've learned about effective market research tools and business organization skills. Moreover, I built blogs, wrote articles and I now understand copyright information. Also, we set up social networks and used them as part of the strategy for successful soft marketing. Additionally, mastered a few technical skills, including how to set up a marketing funnel online. The list goes on! Consequently, being part of a small group provides an awesome learning environment where we can all find help, and help others too. We occasionally just socialize and have fun too. I’ve made some awesome friendships inside the Academy.”
Barb Schacher
Barb SchacherUSA
“Most products or coaches assume you know the basics of online marketing and technical terminology, and have technical skills. I know in the end we are each responsible for what we want to create. However, I don’t feel like I’m all alone. The short videos and interactive training events are very helpful. There is always someone available to help with an issue. I’m very grateful to have a safe place to build my income generating business. It makes the journey so much more enjoyable and easier.” (Name withheld at member’s request)
HS
HSUSA
“The Academy has made me really excited about writing! I just needed someone to get me in the habit and doing it. Now I feel like I am on a roll. The presentation on writing our “About Me” page was outstanding and helped me so much!”
Nicole Thomas
Nicole ThomasUSA
“There is too much information on the Internet about marketing. As a result, you can easily get confused about exactly where to start. However, with KESWiN™ Academy, you receive precise instructions in an easy to follow format. Best of all, being part of a group offers support and mentorship. Because it enables everyone to work together and feel part of a team. At the same time, we get to build our own business. Furthermore, the focus on writing helps make writing easier.”
Tania Wilder
Tania WilderAustralia
“The Academy is a safe environment, where I feel I can be myself and ask questions, or offer my ideas. I have a support system of honest, genuine, like-minded people from around the world, who don’t think I’m crazy or stupid to try something different. The training is broken down into small parts, so I can tackle a bit at a time. I have learned both fundamental techniques, and others that I would call advanced. Material is up-to-date and presented in an understandable format. It is so great to have people helping people succeed.”
Kris Newland
Kris NewlandUSA
“The training is a lot more dialogue than presentation. It has helped me transition from learning mode to doing mode. The modules in writing, market research, blogging and business management have been both instructional and hands-on practice. Even though I’m building my own business, I’m not doing it alone. I’m part of a community of people with similar goals. I find plenty of encouragement, peer support, and camaraderie within the network. The result-oriented leaders have high ethical standards, are knowledgeable, current, even cutting edge, and most of all, accessible.”
Bob Young
Bob YoungUSA
“Before I joined, I was just watching and listening to other online marketing training programs with no real plan. Isn’t that crazy? If I hadn’t joined the Academy, I would have hung up my dream by now. Because I had the opportunity to learn with others. Moreover, the trainers’ efforts to make our writing skills exceptional, and adapt the training to our needs is outstanding. Also, it’s powerful having made new friends with people from all over the world. Most importantly, they are willing to step up and help me without question.”
Marshall Joyce
Marshall JoyceUSA
“Writing challenges me. Therefore, I love the videos. I can stop them and move at my own pace. As a result, I get a better understanding. Also, the people are great! I am forming solid relationships. Best of all, I can get help from my peers as well as the trainers. Due to being a member, I have learned a lot about online marketing.”
Heather Hansen
Heather HansenCanada
“The Academy provides low-cost, state-of-the-art training. First of all, I have a road map to follow. Also, people I can connect with. In addition, the trainers are genuinely there for us. Furthermore, they give 120% to ensure we all succeed. They are helping us create businesses that are genuine and legitimate. There is no hype or in your face tactics. This training is so different to anything I’ve experienced before.”
Claire Newell
Claire NewellNew Zealand
“I was having trouble writing content for my blog and understanding social Internet marketing. However, the trainers helped me build up my confidence. Also, the group workshops are a safe place to ask questions and get help. As a result, we can immediately apply what we are learning. Most of all, I have fun building lasting relationships with other members. Most importantly, it’s value exceeds the affordable price I pay as a member.”
Lanette Passarelli
Lanette PassarelliUSA
“The Academy provides a fresh approach to learning online. Most importantly, the mentors and members are real people you can talk to and build lasting relationships with. Moreover, the training is professional and easy to follow. Also, being part of the interactive group workshops is fun. Best of all, you can get your questions answered immediately. Because quick answers are valuable when you have a problem you can't work out on your own.”
Corinne Floyd
Corinne FloydCanada
“Deb has helped me improve my writing skills tremendously. Now, I not only have the confidence to sit and write. But I also have the basic ability to communicate intelligibly while delivering some real value. This was a skill that was well beyond me prior to becoming a member.”
Tom Renfro
Tom RenfroUSA
“I am grateful that Deb took the time to show me how to write diamonds. Because I do believe within all of us there are diamonds that need to be put down on paper. Moreover, when they are inside of us, nobody sees or hears them. And just to think I almost didn't take this course! What a loss I would have experienced. As I write every day I feel a sense of who I am and who I might become. Keep those diamonds coming; there are many of us who need them.”
Greg Gust
Greg GustUSA
“Since joining the Academy, I’ve accomplished more and written more than I did before. Firstly, this is a supportive environment. Secondly, I have peers helping me gauge where I am in the training. As a result, I receive help when I need it. And we bounce ideas off each other. Finally, the knowledgeable trainers and coaches guide us through the Internet business maze. Most importantly, they demonstrate that they actually do care about us achieving our goals.”
Felicia Waren
Felicia WarenUSA
"The eBook Publishing Master Class encouraged me to finish writing my book, and then take the next step to get it published in both print and digital format. It was awesome to produce a real book for my business."
Dr Alan Fayter
Dr Alan FayterNZ
The Goal Setting Workshop was brilliant and thought provoking. It allowed me to become fluid with my writing, and also achieve my personal goal to move into my dream home.
Brenda M
Brenda MNew Zealand

How to Learn More About KESWiN Academy

We realise that building authentic relationships (and our community) is going to take time. Our goal is to limit SI Community membership to 150 people, because this is not only manageable for our small team, but it keeps the social aspect of online networking friendly and supportive.

So we don’t expect you to be ready to join right away (marketing research has shown that less than 3% of people commit to buying on first sales pitch). To be honest, we actually don’t want people to join us who rush in without doing due diligence. So we encourage you to take the time to read more on our website to get to know us. Better still, we invite you to subscribe to our free newsletter by filling in the form on this page. 

In fact, we want to make sure we’re a good fit for you, and you are a good fit for us. The people we are looking for to join us are generally:

  • in their mid forties and older (we are predominantly Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers),
  • speak English as a first or fluent second language,
  • ready to start or continue their self-discovery journey,
  • seeking to identify hidden inner value and treasure,
  • open to being coached and held accountable,
  • willing to face up to self-imposed limitations,
  • curious about how to successfully exit “The Matrix”,
  • interested in exploring alternatives to mainstream living,
  • wanting to develop skills to manage their brain and life,
  • keen to build real relationships with like-minded people,
  • and lots, lots more. 

If this describes you, then please subscribe to our newsletter. You can also join as a member now (we have a 30 Day Peace of Mind Money Back Guarantee so it’s really risk free), or if you’d prefer to get a real world sample of what we offer, you can attend one of our free monthly Cup Full of Happiness Hours (live online event) you can register for the next one here. 

We look forward to meeting you soon! 

Deb Donnell Signature
Deb Donnell, Founder, KESWiN Academy

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KESWiN Academy
ABOUT US

KESWiN™ Academy is a personal growth and self-actualisation online community with LIVE and interactive coaching, resources, friendships, and support with humans. Enjoy freedom from invasive AI and Chat-bots.

OUR BUSINESS ADDRESS

  • Writing Diamonds Ltd
  • PO Box 36-476
  • Merivale
  • Christchurch 8146
  • Canterbury
  • NEW ZEALAND

BUSINESS HOURS

  • Monday - Friday:
  • 9:00AM - 5:00PM
  • NEW ZEALAND TIME ZONE
  • To 5 April 2026 UTC+13
  • From 5 April 2026 UTC+12

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

When you join KESWiN Academy’s community you get exclusive access to tips, tools,  resources, live events, coaching and support to assist you on your personal growth and self-actualisation journey.

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Note: This site is written predominantly with British English spelling and grammar, although occasionally we do use US English alternatives. 

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